Simulated baseball game apparatus



May 12, 1959 J. P. TARBOX 2,836,318

SIMULATED BASEBALL GAME APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 3, 1952 IN VENTOR May 12, 1959 J. P. TARBOX 2,836,313 SIMULATED BASEBALL GAME APPARATUS Filed May 5. 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 lIII/IIIIIIIIJ IIII y 1959 J. P. TARBOX 2,886,318

SIMULATED BASEBALL GAME APPARATUS Filed May 3, 1952 4 ShQetsF-Sheat 3 I &9

IIYI ENTOR May 12, 1959 J. P. TARBOX 2,886,318

smumwsn BASEBALL GAME APPARATUS Filed May a. 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 BR SR 0R United States Patent SIMULATED BASEBALL GAME APPARATUS John P. Tarbox, Philadelphia, Pa.

Application May 3, 1952, Serial No. 285,909

41 Claims. (Cl. 273-88) My invention relates to an electrical baseball game apparatus of the type exemplified by my prior U.S. Patent No. 2,251,305 granted August 5, 1941. It is a game for indoor and amusement park sport. In this type a baseball of standard size is thrown at a bulls-eye target and after striking the target falls through any one of a number of chutes containing electrical switches operated by the ball to control automatically base running simulated by the progressive illumination of electric lamps around a diamond pictured on a display board, and also to accomplish automatically scoring of the game by means of a group of registers. The present invention is an improvement upon the invention of my prior patent.

The principal object of the present invention is the achievement of the apparatus through the use of commercially standard spring contact and step by step relays as distinguished from the specially built homemade apparatus, thereby to render it possible to manufacture the invention in quantity for marketing at a reasonable price, and at the same time to achieve improvement in reliability, durability and ease of repair. This object I achieve largely through a new system of control and interlocking circuits. The electrically controlled detents, switch operating cranks, drums and clutches of the base running system of the prior patent are supplanted in this system by a continuous stepper switch under the control of a group of progressive relays associated with the four base positions, the progression of which relays governs the progression of the stepper from one base position to another. Progressive relays as well known in the automatic telephone and electrical controller arts are relays arranged to progress their own energization in a determinate serial order once such energization has been initiated. The group of rectilinear scoring registers is sup planted by a group of restoring step by step switches tied in with this group of progressive relays which control the base runing, and with balls and strikes evaluating switches. Release circuits, and color change controls for the different teams, are also achieved through commercially standardized spring contact relays.

It has also been my aim to further improve the reliability and durability by further minimizing or preventing altogether disturbance of proper response, misadjustment, or mal-functioning of the various electrical devices which may be occasioned by jarring or other vibration incident to the terrific impacts of balls pitched with great force at the target. This I have achieved by arranging ball receiving chutes and troughs of special construction in new relationship to the target, and by efi'ecting more complete structural separation of the mountings of the target and ball receiving chutes on the one hand and the electrical devices and their circuits on the other. I place the target with its associated chutes and chute switches together with the balls cushion (see my prior patent) on one foundation structure while I mount the game lamps, the step by step switches and the relays on a foundational structure separated therefrom in its main body. Wild balls (which result in strikes registrations) are caught by a net and prevented from reaching either foundational structure.

Yet another aim is a closer simulation of an actual baseball game. This is attained partly through an arrangement of the ball receiving chutes, troughs, and net which places higher premium upon more accurate throwing; partly by a chute arrangement which introduces a safe or out evaluation at each base; and partly by varying the differentiation between outs and safe hits as the runs approach the bases.

Yet other advantages and the means by which they are achieved are recited in connection with the detailed description of the apparatus and circuits and their operation which follows.

Of the drawings:

Fig. l is a front elevation of the game board and certain of its appurtenances with the right hand half of the appurtenances which are in front of the board broken away to show the face of the board more clearly;

Fig. 2 is a central vertical section taken approximately on line 2-2 of Fig. l

Fig. 3 is a transverse section taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2 looking rearwardly as shown by the arrows, and showing the transverse relation of the base running ball receiving chutes to the target bnlls-eye;

Fig. 4 is a section on line 44 of Fig. 2 looking forward and showing the relative arrangement of the chute switches;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged rear elevation of one of the chute switches;

Figs. 6 and 7 are complemental diagrams of the electrical control apparatus employed and the circuits thereof;

Fig. 8 is a section on line 8-8 of Fig. 2, representative of the chute cross section and the associated chute switch of each of the balls and strikes chutes;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the switch of Fig. 8; and

Fig. 10 is an enlarged axial cross section of a typical board lamp mounting.

The game board and the diamond Referring first to Fig. 1, the game board per se is designated GB. It is vertically arranged, of considerable size, say about 72 inches square, and is preferably constructed of medium thickness plywood or other composition board. It is supported (by any suitable means such as the side posts P) at a height above the floor of a game room which locates its center approximately at the horizontal throwing level of the average player, both youths and adults being considered. In its center is a diamond shaped aperture 11 through the middle of which a standard baseball may be thrown at a bulls-eye target located to the rear of the board. The front face of the board on the margins of the aperture 11 is painted as a baseball diamond 12 with the home plate, designated HP, at the bottom center, and the 3 bases (designated 1st, 2nd, 3rd) in proper relation thereto. The diamond configuration may be achieved by means other than painting if desired.

The running and registering lamps The following groups of running and registering lamps or lights are projected through corresponding series of small holes in the board from lamp sockets 15 mounted upon the back face of the board. Being located in the holes 14 they are protected against damage by stray balls, the board being thick enough to completely house the lamp bulbs within the holes, though other means may be used for this purpose if desired.

NL, running lamps arranged on the base lines 13 and through the successive illumination of which from the home plate around the diamond base by base, base running may be simulated. Any desired number of these may be used. Sixty-four are shown. The bases divide the group into four equal parts, sixteen lamps in each. Every other lamp is of a diflerent color, one color shown by the clear circles and one by the circles with crosses in them. This will appear more clearly in the detailed consideration to be given through the diagrams of Figs. 6 and 7, where base running by two different teams is described. On each of the bases and on the home plate there is a white lamp and a red lamp whereby a runner of either team may be represented as reaching any one of the bases or home plate. Let us call the colors white and red from this point on, and so designate the two teams one as the Whites and the other as the Reds.

IL, innings lamps. This group comprises two coextensive rows of ten to fifteen lamps each, the one representing the innings for the White team, the other representing the innings for the Reds. They are horizontally arranged at the top of the game board.

WL, scoring lamps for the White team. This group is arranged vertically on the one side of the board GB.

RL, scoring lamps for the registry of scores for the Reds, arranged vertically on the opposite side of the board.

SL, strikes lamps. This is a group of three lamps of any color (white shown) arranged horizontally in one of the lower triangular spaces flanking the diamond 12.

CL, a group of lamps also of any color (white shown) for registering outs arranged horizontally in one of the upper triangular spaces.

BL, four horizontally arranged lamps of any color (white shown) in one of the lower triangular spaces which flank the diamond 12, for the registration of balls.

The bull's-eye target and its ball receiving chutes 16 is the target itself. It is comprised of a pad-packed cushion as shown which bears centrally of its front face the configuration of a ringed bulls-eye. The padding as shown is in layers similar to those employed in a catchers mitt, and the target cushion 16 is likewise intended to have all other characteristics of catchers mitts so that a ball striking it is received, checked in its flight and dropped before it without consequential rebound.

17, an elongated metal housing supporting the target 16, which housing is open at its front end toward the board GB but entirely closed elsewhere save a portion of its bottom. Target 16 is supported in the pocket formed by the walls of the housing adjoining the closed back end.

18, a floor support for the housing 17 entirely independent of the board GB and its supports P. This support as shown is in the form of a braced framework adapted to be rigidly anchored to the floor F of the game room and having a strength and a rigidity adequate to take the impact of a standard baseball thrown with a pitchers full strength to the target 16. The frame 18 supports the housing 17 and the target 16 in position to horizontally center the bull's eye of target 16 in line with the centre of aperture 11 of the board GB.

19, an open-fronted diamond shaped housing for a diamond shaped cushion to receive balls which miss target 16 and strike outside of it. This housing is rigidly attached by its back wall to the target housing 17 and its support 18. It is relatively shallow and of an inside perimeter approximately of the dimension of the diamond shaped aperture 11 of the board. Its front edges adjoin but do not touch game board GB.

20 is the balls cushion which is received within and supported by the housing 19. It is diamond shaped and of a thickness somewhat greater than the depth of housing 19 whereby it projects through the aperture 11 of the board GB with its front face substantially flush with the face of the board. It is green in color and constitutes the infield board.

21 is a circular aperture in the back of housing 19 in horizontal alignment with target 16, and of approximately the diameter of the target.

22 is an aligned circular aperture in cushion 20. It is of approximately the same diameter as the aperture 21 and prevents balls from striking the edges of aperture 21.

U1, U3, U4 and U2 are a transversely extending series of four vertically arranged ball receiving chutes opening at their tops into the bottom of housing 17 and discharging at their bottoms within the frame 18. Their cross sections are squares of a dimension just sufficiently greater than the diameter of a standard baseball to permit a ball rolling down the inclined bottom of the housing 17 to be received into their open upper ends and to pass vertically through them. U3 and U4 open in front of the bulls-eye, while U1 and U2 open on opposite sides of the bulls-eye.

23 is a bar extending transversely of the open bottoms of the chutes U1 to U4 in the transverse plane of sym metry thereof and having its upper rounded edge located a distance below the bottoms of the chutes somewhat greater than the diameter of a standard baseball. Balls falling through chutes U1 to U4 and striking the rounded top of the bar 23 will teeter on the bar and by chance fall sometimes on one side of the bar and sometimes on the other.

US and U6 are back and front receiving chutes for balls falling from bar 23.

24, 25 are respectively back and front vertical wall members of these chutes. They are transversely supported in frame 18 in planes respectively approximately paralleling the vertical plane of bar 23 at a little greater than ball diameter distance therefrom, back and front, and so forming the chutes U5 and U6. The top of the wall 24, extends above the top of the bar 23 to prevent the escape of balls thereover.

26, a bottom wall inclined downwardly and forwardly for chutes U5 and U6. It receives the balls falling through chutes U5 and U6 and projects them toward the front of frame 18. The lower edge of bar 23 is elevated above wall 26 sufliciently for balls to roll beneath it.

U7, a trough shaped chute adapted to receive the ball from the inclined fioor 26. Its upper end opens to the floor 26 through wall 25 and it has a downward and forward inclination to the floor F of the room of such degree as to discharge the ball to the floor at a velocity adequate to return it by way of the floor all the way to the player.

27, a transversely extending downwardly inclined plate which deflects the ball laterally over the floor 26 and into the mouth of the chute U7. The return chute U7 is dis placed from the plane of symmetry of the game board to avoid interference with other chutes (yet to be described) which discharge to the floor in front of it.

28, a transverse pivotal mounting for the lower margin of the bar 23. Bar 23 is of considerable vertical depth and can be swung about this pivotal mounting to adjust its rounded upper edge forward or backward to a slight degree to change the likelihood for balls to fall to one side thereof rather than the other side.

29, 30 and 31 are respectively a through bolt passed transversely of the center of the upper edge of bar 23 and the rear wall 24 of the chute U5 and secured to bar 23, a spring confined between the wall 24 and the bar 23 upon the bolt 29, and an adjusting wing nut on the threaded outer end of bolt 29 and bearing upon wall 24 through a washer. By turning this wing nut up or letting it ofl, bar 23 is readily adjusted about its pivotal mounting 28.

Balls and strikes troughs and chutes as to insure rolling of balls to the lowest points, walled.

on all four sides with the top edges of the four walls in a plane below the line of vision of the players to the lower areas of the board GB, yet having their bottoms elevated sufliciently above the floor F to permit the use of ball' and strike" return chutes at angles insuring return of balls to players.

32 and 33 are ball discharge openings located at the lowest points of the bottom walls of troughs U8 and U9.

U10 and U11 are ball and strike" return chutes respectively communicating with openings 32 and 33 and inclined downwardly at the angle requisite to ensure the roll of the return ball to the feet of the player. These troughs are in the form of channels suspended from the bottoms of the troughs U8 and U9 by means of suitable attachments and braces. The mouth of the foremost chute U11 is elevated above the floor a distance greater than the diameter of the returning ball to permit a ball from chute U10 to roll beneath it without interference. Chute U10 is not interfered with by balls discharged from chute U7 associated with target bull's-eye 16 and its support 18, because U7 is displaced laterally of the plane of symmetry.

34 is a net vertically suspended from an overhead support in a plane between and separating the two ball receiving troughs U8 and U9.

35 is an horizontal overhead rod support for the net.

36 is a rod weighting down the lower edge of the net at a level above the floor and well below the tops of the troughs U8 and U9. This stretches the net from its top support 35 uniformly toward the floor. The net is mesh threaded onto the rods, stretched laterally and then secured at opposite ends of its upper and lower edges respectively to the rods for appropriate transverse stretching. It is preferably of as great height and width as the board GB whereby it protects the board from being struck at any time by a thrown ball.

37 is a circular aperture in the not having its center located on the horizontal center line of the circular aperture in the ball receiving cushion 20 and the bulls-eye target 16. However aperture 37 is of considerably larger dimaeter than aperture 22 in the cushion. The rope beaded periphery of this opening 37 defines upon the cushion 20 a balls" target ring concentric with the target bull's-eye 16.

38, 39, heavy cord or light rope edging or beading the margins of aperture 37 and the sides of net 34 respectively, for the purpose of maintaining tension in the net, and uniformity of shape and position of aperture 37, and of course for preventing net knots from becoming untied or net cordage from becoming frayed.

40, light rods extending through marginal meshes of the net and under lateral outward tension to assist the cord edgings 38 and 39 in maintaining tension distribution and position and shape of aperture 37. Rods 40 are pivotally secured to the upright posts P of board GB whereby they may rise and fall with the rise and fall of the net. The net may move freely back and forth on the rods 40 when deflected by the strikes balls.

With the parts so proportioned and arranged balls pitched at the target 16 which pass through aperture 37 in the net but strike the cushion 20 instead of the target 16 will fall into the trough U8 and rolling to opening 32 will be returned to the player by chute U10, while balls which miss the aperture 37 in the net and strike the net outside of it will fall to trough U9 and passing through aperture 33 in its floor will return to the player by U11. Cushion 20 as supported by housing 19 and frame 18 takes the impact of the thrown ball in the one case and the net through its deflection and the raising of its weight 36 takes it in the other. In no case is the board GB and the apparatus which it supports subjected to the impact of a thrown ball; and possible damage to or disarrangement of them is avoided. Trough U8 is placed immediately adjacent the board GB and trough U9 immediately adjacent to trough US, with insutficient space in-between in any case to allow a ball either to fall to the floor of the room or to lodge and rest upon the top of the adjacent trough walls; yet sufficient to allow the net 34 and its weight rod 36 to move freely up and down as the net is deflected. These adjacent walls flank the net 34. They have their top edges well rounded to insure the smooth passage of the body of the net thereover whenever the net is deflected above them. The adjacent wall of trough U9 is higher than the adjacent wall of trough U8 to minimize deflection of the lower portion of the net when struck by balls which rebound from cushion 20 to this portion and so ensure their being more quickly returned through trough US.

41, 42 designate respectively flexible rods mounted on the adjacent wall of trough U9 and the cord stretched be tween them adjacent net 34. This serves to prevent bagging of the net forwardly over the adjacent wall by balls which rebound first to the net instead of to trough U8.

43, 44 designate respectively a low net and its supports between which it is stretched across and above the front wall of trough U9 to prevent balls which rebound from high points on the net 34 from being thrown to the floor of the room instead of the floor of trough U9. Its height should not interfere with balls which should pass through net opening 37.

Electrical operating apparatus and circuits The electrical game operating devices and their interrelating circuits are diagrammatically shown in Figs. 6 and 7. With the exception of the ball operated switches which institute the operations of the apparatus and which are located in certain of the ball directing chutes described above, the apparatus and interrelated circuits may be mounted upon the back of the game board GB as are the electric lamps already described. However except for the dotted line indications in Fig. 2 of the positions of the step by step switches designated WS, OR, IR and SR, they do not appear on the board GB. The entire apparatus with the exception of the electric lamps and the ball operated switches in the chutes may if desired be mounted on a separate panel, as is often done in the manufacture of electrical controlling apparatus.

In the interest of brevity and clarity the apparatuses will be described by cataloging their general specifications only; while the circuits and the operation of the apparatus and the circuits will be described by cataloging and tracing the circuits, and indicating their operation in the order in which cataloged.

The base running stepper switch SP of Fig. 7 designates this switch per se.

60 and 61 are two separate but concentric complete circular series of radially aligned switch contacts of forty contacts each as illustrated, ten contacts in each quarter circle. (In practice the contacts are axially rather than radially aligned in two superposed series.) But about twothirds of the complete circle is shown in order to make room to show other apparatus on the diagram.

The contacts of the series 60, 61 are diagramrned as connected with the running lights NL of the diamond portrayed on the grame board GB, the one series being con nected to every other lamp (the white lamps), and the other series being connected to the intermediate alternates (the red lamps). Note that while there are ten contacts in each quadrant of each group there are but eight lamps of each color in each quadrant. Further note that contacts numbered 8 and 9 are not connected to any lamp NL and that contact 10 is connected always to lamp number one, and contacts one to seven are connected to lamps two to eight. The only complete interbase showing is that between home plate and first base. All the other interbase lamp and contact connections are the same.

62 and 63 are two X-shaped series of concentrically mounted contact arms, the arms of each series being at 7 right angles to each other, and corresponding arms of the two series being in axial alignment. The series 62 shown in dotted line sweeps over contacts 60 (also shown dotted) and the other series, 63, shown in full lines, sweeps over contacts 61 (also shown in full lines).

64 and 65 are a concentrically arranged operating ratchet and pawl adapted by step by step operation to step the switch arms 62, 63 one contact at a time over the series 60, 61 with suitable contact dwell.

A is an actuating magnet and armature for operating pawl 65.

66, 67 are respectively a contact ring electrically connected with switch arms 63 and the contact brush bearing on the ring to effect circuit connection with arms 63 independent of contact arms 62 which latter arms are electrically insulated from arms 63.

68 is a diagrammatic showing of the insulation between the two series of arms 62, 63.

69 and 70 are respectively a similar contact ring and a brush for effecting independent electrical connection to contact arm 62.

71 and 72 are a pair of radially aligned special contacts associated respectively with the circular series 60 and 61 and adapted to be contacted the one 71 by the arms 62 and the other 72 by the arms 63 as indicated by the representation of the coacting contacts on the arms themselves at their radial distance from the axis. These special contacts 71, 72 are located somewhat in advance of contacts 8 of that quadrant of the contact series 60 and 61 having as illustrated to do with the running lamps NL between third base and home plate, HP. But a little over half of the lamps and a little over half of the diamond are diagrammed, also to leave room for showing other apparatus. The remaining portions are in all respects similar to those between HP and 2nd base. 72 are included only in the fourth quadrant.

CR, a two armed motor driven disc commutator which supplies power intermittently to actuating magnet A of the stepper switch SP. Its arms are diametrically opposite.

MR, the motor which drives the commutator CR continuously.

CY, a relay which controls the connection of the commutator CR with the actuating magnet A.

75, 76, commutator brushes at right angles to each other contacted by each of the two commutator segments in succession, 75 always before 76 and 76 not until after 75 has been left by a segment.

The base running control relays Fig. 6 diagrams these relays and their relationships. Arranged vertically of this sheet of drawings there are shown four sets of them, one set for each of the four base runs of the diamond. Identification with the base is indicated in each case by applying in parentheses above each set of identification of the base to which it appertains (1st, 2nd, etc.).

B1 to B4, Base Relays; the relays of this group have to do with the evaluation of the runs. They determine the lengths of the runs, e.g. one base hit, two base hit, etc.

81 to 84, Safe Relays. Relays of this group when energized to the exclusion of certain others determine the safe reach of the run to the base.

01 to 04. These are the outs" relays. If one of these is energized in conjunction with a safe" relay S it annuls the safe determination of the relay S and prevents the run from reaching the base designated by a relay B.

T1 to T4 are Transfer Relays. The function of these relays is to effect transfer of the run from each base to the next succeeding, so long as an outs determination has not been effected by one of the relays O1 to 04.

The relays of the immediately preceding three groups Sl to S4, 01 to O4, and T1 to T4 are relays known as progressive series relays and are characterized by the fact that the energization of each succeeding relay follows Contacts 71,

from energization of the preceding relay of the series, directly or indirectly, as used herein. It will become apparent upon full understanding of the circuits that the relays of the transfer group T1 to T4 are the intermediaries through which the progression of the energization of the successive relays of the other two groups 81 to S4 and O1 to 04 are achieved. Thus, for example, it will be found that upon energization of relay S1, relay T1 in due course is pulled up and that relay Tl transfers this energization to relay S2, and so forth.

Each one of the four groups of relays (1st) (2nd), etc., contains one base relay B, one safe relay S, one outs relay O and one transfer relay T. The relays are of the well known standard spring or spring contact retracted type. The relays of different characters are provided with different sets of contacts. Through these contacts they are variously linked together in circuits and variously affect each other and other apparatuses of the system to control its ordered operation. To avoid duplication, description of these contacts is reserved for description of the circuits of which they are a part.

The ball actuated switches W1, W2, W3, W4. Ball actuated chute switches located respectively in chutes U1, U2, U3 and U4. These have the construction shown in Figs. 2 to 5.

These switches W1 to W4 have each of them a contact individual to one of the relays B1 to B4 and a contact common to relay S1, the first of the series S1 to S4. Since switches W3 and W4 lie in chutes U3 and U4, and these open immediately in front of the bulls-eye, they give the player three and four base runs.

W5, a switch located in chute US and having the construction and arrangement shown in Figs. 2 to 4.

80 designates the bell crank operating levers of switches W1 to W4. These are pivoted at their apices to oscillate in the vertical central longitudinal planes of their respective chutes U1 to U4. Their pivots are near the upper edges of the rear walls of the chutes and the arrangements are such that the one arm projects inside the chute and the other arm outside of it.

81 designates weights on the outer arms of the bell cranks 80 which normally maintain the inner arms extended transversely of the chute in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 2 to be struck and moved downwardly toward the rear chute wall by a ball which descends the chute as shown in dotted lines. The weights return the inner arms to their normal transverse positions after the passage of the ball.

82 and 83, the contacts afore-mentioned as identified with the circuits of relays of the series B and S.

84, a U shaped yoke depending substantially vertically from pivots of its arms to the opposite side members of the frame 18 in a transverse plane in the mouth of the rear chute US, in such position that its transversely extending bight portion will be struck and moved rearwardly toward wall 24 by any ball which drops into the chute from out bar 23.

85, an arm extended rearwardly from one arm of yoke 84.

86, the contacts of switch W5 closed by this arm 85 when moved upwardly through the rearward movement of the yoke 84.

87, an adjustable stop defining the normal substantially vertical position of the yoke.

88, a Weight on arm 85 normally holding the yoke against the stop.

W10 and W11 are similarly operated switches in chutes U10 and U11. A pivoted yoke 89 struck by the ball oscillates an arm 99 and closes contacts 91. Motion of yoke 89 is damped by a vane 92.

The release relays R1 to R5 (appearing in Fig. 7) are a group of release relays identified with the base running relays just now cataloged, which release relays function as follows:

R1 designates a pair of relays functioning sometimes one and sometimes the other to energize initially the transfer relays T1 to T4. R2 functions to release all relays S whenever required in the course of the operations. R3 functions to supply energy to relays of the S and groups as transfers of runs are made successively from one to the other, to order the sequence of operations in connection with outs registration and innings changes, and in connection with the halting of runs at bases. There are two R4 relays, which test for the evaluation of each new run each time the run reaches and passes a 'base. R5 is a final release relay energized sometimes by one of the relays R4 and sometimes by the other to stop base running operations at the bases located by the relays R4.

These release relays are all primarily controlled directly or indirectly from the base running stepper switch SP. Thus its contacts 71, 72 control the pair R1, contacts 8 in parallel in the regular series 60, 61 control relay R2, paralled contacts 9 govern relay R3, and individual contacts 10 effect energization each of one relay R4, and through relays R4 control relay R5.

Registering and indicating apparatus Six similar step by step electromagnetic switches each with spring return to zero limiting or near zero positions, are provided for registering and indicating the various factors connected with the progress of the game. These are symbolically represented at the top and bottom of Fig. 7 under the designations RS, WS, BR, SR, OR, and IR.

WS. This is the scoring switch which registers and indicates the scores for one team of players, the White team.

RS is the corresponding switch registering and indicating scores for the other team, the Red team. Each of these two scoring switches is provided with a considerable number of contacts, for instance 20. The contacts of WS are connected to lamps WL on board GB, while the contacts of switch RS are connected to lamps RL.

ER is the balls register. Its contacts are connected with the lamps BL.

SR is the strikes register. to the lamps SL.

OR is the outs register. Its contacts are connected to the lamps 0L on the display board GB. These latter three relays BR, SR, and OR have each but a small number of lamp contacts relative to registers RS and WS, for the outs register and the strikes register are required to keep track of but three registrations each, while the balls register is required to keep track of but four. However they each have certain auxiliary contacts which appear on the drawing but are parts of circuits other than the lamp circuits so will be described when those circuits are described.

IR is an innings register. This switch not only effects registration and indication of the progress of the innings of the game, but also functions to initiate or control the changes which the shift of innings requires of other elements of the system. To this end its annular series of contacts as clearly appears in Fig. 7 is divided diametrically into two groups only one of which is connected with the innings lamps IL of the game board. Every other contact in this group is connected in numerical succession to the upper row IL, the white row, while its intermediate contacts are similarly connected to lamps of the lower row, the red row. Every other contact of the opposite group of switch contacts is connected in a series circuit for the purpose of initiating a circuit to bring about the changes required by innings shift which have been referred to.

A, as applied to each of the foregoing six registers, designates its actuating magnet.

B, as applied, designates the corresponding release magnets.

Its contacts are connected is applied to their actuating pawls.

96 is applied to the corresponding ratchets.

97 designates their switch arms. These are stepped one contact at a time over the lamp and other contacts by the pawls and ratchets as actuated by magnets A.

98 are the holding pawls under the control of the release magnets B, while 99 are the spiral restoring springs of the arms.

Various and sundry contacts are associated with certain of the actuating and release magnets and they and their functions are primarily parts of the circuits which contain them as will appear.

BY is a relay having to do with the orderly functioning of the balls register BR in indicating the fourth ball, permitting the palyer throwing the fourth ball a first base run and restoration of the register to zero position. It is appropriately called a balls relay.

OY is a relay having to do with the orderly functioning of the outs register OR in indicating the third out, whether an out on base or an out on strikes, the shift of the inning, the clearing and reordering of the game board for a fresh inning and timely return of the outs register to zero position.

The color changing apparatus The innings register IR effects its own registration and indication on the white and red rows of lamps IL merely by alternating its steps over its lamp contacts between them. Color change relays as follows under control of the innings register are provided to effect the changeover where it is elsewhere required, as for example in the running lights NL of the base running stepper SP, and the scoring registers WS and RS.

C1 is the principal color change relay. It is energized frim IR and it exercises control over all changes except those of innings lamps IL.

C2 and C3 are auxiliary control relays under the domination of relay C1 which supplement C1 in the control of color change on lamps NL of base running stepper SP through control of the lamp common connections, while C1 itself controls the individual lamp contact connections through switch arms 62 and 63.

Source of power and power control switches 100 is a source of power symbolized as a battery from which lead plus and minus bus bars. However this is but for the sake of convenience in tracing the various electric circuits and reaching certainty as to their completeness. In actual practice all of the apparatus is preferably 60 cycle alternating current apparatus adapted to operate on the standard 60 cycles. However low voltage is preferred, and in such case instead of connecting directly to a volt line connection is made through a low voltage transformer, such as the well known signal transformers of 16 to 24 volts.

Throughout the diagrams of Figs. 6 and 7 the positive or plus side of the battery is distinguished by the employment of heavy lines, whereas the negative or minus side is distinguished by heavy dashes.

101 is a single pole switch adapted to connect and disconnect the suorce of power 100 to the bosses just described.

102 is a general release switch, the function of which is the reconditioning of the apparatus and the game board for a brand new game.

103 appearing at the bottom of Fig. 7 is a release switch local to registers WS, RS and IR, the scoring and innings registers.

"Batter Up" and target illumination BU. This pair of lamps, the one red and the other white, are located adjacent to the home plate and on the left side in the position usually occupied by the batter. Their purpose is to indicate when a player of either team has made a hit and when the next player is up. While all the players pitch instead of bat, it will be convenient at times to call them batters and to call this pair of lamps BU the batter up lamps.

TI. This pair of lamps appears both in Fig. 7 and on the back of housing 19 in Fig. 2. They face toward and illuminate the target 16 with the color identified with the team at the bat" so to speak, thus using the target illumination to enable the teams the better to keep track of the innings. It has a further function of darkening the target while runs are in process, thus warning players not to make a succeeding throw until the game apparatus has finished the operations initiated by the pre ceding throw. This prevents disordering of the apparatus. Certain of the circuits are arranged to further safeguard this as will subsequently appear.

Circuits and operation The circuits and their operation will be described individually and in an order of succession substantially if not entirely similar to that which may be expected to occur from time to time in the playing of the game between two teams of players. Of course there will take place as the game is used during successive weeks, months and years, orders of successions of circuit operations as unlimited in variety and number as are the orders of succession of the plays on an actual ball field, the order and variety of which are perhaps the greatest of all the factors which go to maintain the high pitch of interest of the American public in the game.

Conditioning the apparatus for playing Main switch 101 if open, is closed. If upon closing switch 101 any of the lamps on game board GB except the white batter up lamp BU, the white target illuminating lamp TI, and the first white lamp of the innings group IL, are illuminated, switch 102 is closed momentarily to extinguish them. Switch 102 energizes release magnets E of all the registers, permitting their return springs to carry them to zero position, save in the instance of the innings register IR which returns to indicate the first half of the first inning. These are the release circuits:

105 of the registers BR and SR as closed to positive battery by the bridging of contacts 106 of switch 102 to release magnets E.

110 for release magnet E of register OR connected to positive battery by contact 111 of switch 102.

115 for release magnets E of registers WS, RS and IR as closed at contact 116 of switch 102.

Upon the release of switch 102 (which as shown is of the push button type) the several release circuits are deenergized and power for the game from the positive bus (removed by opening contact 104 of the switch 102 when that switch was pushed down) is now restored. There are then closed the following cicuits.

The first of the innings register lamp circuits 118, as extended from positive battery by way of switch arm 97' and the first of the lamp contacts of the switch to the first lamp of the white row of the innings lamps IL. Illumination of this lamp indicates the first half of the first inning is about to begin.

120, the circuit of auxiliary color relay C3, closed from positive battery by way of normally closed contact 121 of principal relay C1, which relay is at the outset deenergized. This results in energizing color relay C3 and closure of its front contacts 122 leading to the common connections of the white on base and the next two on base running lamps NL.

Auxiliary relay C2 remains deenergized and its back contacts 123 remain connected with the commons of the main body of the white base running lamps, those in advance of the near approach to bases. Thus the entire series of white running lamps is preconditioned to be energized over the circuits connected with front contacts 122 of relay C3 and back contacts 123 of relay C2, but

Eli

12 they may not be energized until or unless certain of the base running relays bring about such energization.

125, a connection of positive battery to switch arms 63 of the stepper switch SP by way of back contact 126 of principal color relay C1, brush 67 and contact ring 66. This preconditions the switch arms 63 to apply positive battery to the individual white lamp contacts which lie in the outer annular series 61.

128, the circuit commonly of the white batter up lamp of the pair EU and the white target illuminating lamp TI, as closed by the back contact 129 of principal color relay Cl, and extending to negative battery common from the opposite side of the lamps by way of back contact 130 of the commutator relay CY. The establishment of this circuit results in the illumination of these lamps, and is notice to the players that the game is to be begun by a player of the White team.

133. Note that while the batter up lamp and the target illumination lamps are lit at this time the first white light of the first base run reached over circuit 133 is not lit because its circuit is open at the front contact 131 of relay CY.

135, the partial circuit of the actuating magnet A of the white scoring register WS as closed at the back contact 136 of the principal color relay C1 onto negative battery. Magnet A of the register however will remain deenergized until some one run has progressed all the way around the bases.

So merely by throwing the power switch 101 and if necessary pressing the board clearance button 102 (or the subordinate button 103 if judged adequate) all is placed in readiness for the players to begin. Now for the game.

A safe hit to first base Suppose the first player up for the White team hits target 16 to one side of the bulls-eye centre and the ball falls into chute Ul (instead of one of the chutes U3 and U4 where it would likely have fallen if it had hit the bulls-eye) thereby tripping switch W1, then coming to rest momentarily on the top of bar 23the ball teeters and drops by way of chute U6 and is returned to the player by rolling to the floor through the relatively precipitous chute U7. Completion of circuits and operations as follows result.

138, the energizing circuit of base relay B1 from positive to negative battery by way of individual contact 82 of switch WI.

139, the locking circuit of relay B1 to positive battery to the common locking connection 140 of all the base relays of the B series by way of the locking contact 141 of relay B1 and the back contact 142 of the general release relay R5. The common locking connection 140 of the base running relay is also shared by certain other relays as will appear later.

145, the circuit of safe relay S1 from positive battery by way of the common contact 83 of switch W1.

146, the individual locking circuit of safe relay S1 to positive battery by way of front contact 147 of relay S1 and one of the four back contacts 148 of release relay R2 to their common positive battery connection at relay R2.

150, the negative battery connection closed by way of front contact 151 of relay S1 to prepare for energization of white base running lamps 2 to 6 (as counted from HP) of the first base group of base running lamps NL. This negative battery connection reaches to the common connection of these running lamps by way of back contact 123 of relay C2 of the color group.

152, the negative battery connection of white lamps 7 and 8 of the first base group as effected at back contact 153 of cuts relay O1, and a front contact 122 of color relay C3. This relay has remained tie-energized, since the ball thrown fell by way of chute U6 from the bar 23 instead of by way of chute U5 which contains the outs relay actuating switch W5. However none of the lamps 2 to 8 is immediately illuminated for none of the lamp contacts 61 of this group is at the moment of energiz'ation of relays B1 and S1 engaged by one of the switch arms 63. (Because identified with white lamps and red lamps, hereafter contacts 61, 60 and arms 63, 62 will be so designated.)

155, the commutator motor relay circuits for initiating and continuing the operation of the stepper switch SP on the first base run. As closed at front contacts 156 of relay B1 this circuit emanates from positive battery at the commutator CR (Fig. 7) at the moment the commutator motor MR revolves one of its two segments under the advance brush 75, extends through contact 156 and returning reaches relay CY and proceeds to negative battery.

157, the locking circuit of relay CY closed at its front contact 158 onto the locking bus 40 controlled by general release relay R at its back contact 142.

161, the circuit of the actuating magnet A of the base running stepper switch SP as closed at the front contacts 162 of the relay CY and extending from the rear or following brush 76 of commutator CR where it receives positive battery. Because brush 76 trails brush 75 actuating magnet A is always energized for the full length of time required for a commutator segment to pass brush 76, since it can receive no current until after leading brush 75 has pulled up relay CY. Therefore A is always fully energized on starting, and the first step of SP is always a full step.

The moment relay CY pulls up, the white batter up lamps BU and T1 are put out through the opening of contact 130 of its negative battery connection 128 and white lamp number 1 of the first base series is lit through the closing of its negative battery connection 133 by way of front contact 131 of CY, for arm 63 at the HP position already lies on contact number 10. The next moment a segment of commutator CR reaches trailing brush 76 and base running stepper SP begins stepping its switch arm 63 at the HP position from one lamp contact to another and the base running lights from number two to number eight are successively flashed on to achieve the run to first base. The flashing is at that rate which effects pleasing simulation of the fast running of a player from home plate to the base.

The halting of the run at base Upon reaching the base corresponding to the evaluation of the players throw, in this case 1st base as registered on relay B1, the run is halted with the runner indicated as standing just off base toward the succeeding base, in this case on the side of 2nd base, as runners usually do in the actual game. For this the white lamp on the base is extinguished and lamp number one of the 2nd base run is steadily illuminated and the run is made ready to proceed toward 2nd base upon the next hit made. Circuits as follows are involved.

165, the circuit of that one of the pair of release magnets R1 whose switch contact 72 receives positive battery from the following white contact arm 63 of switch SP, just before the said following arm reaches the contact numbered 8.

166, the energizing circuit of transfer relay T1 as closed to positive battery by way of front contact 167 of the energized relay R1 and extended to transfer relay T1 through front contact 168 of the safe relay S1, and back contact 169 of relay 01 through back contact 170 of relay T1, through the relay itself directly to negative battery.

173, a locking circuit for relay T1 shared in common by the four transfer relays, established in this case by make before break contacts 174, 170 of relay T1 through which primary energizing contact 170 is broken, and extended as a common locking circuit to positive battery in series through the tandem back contacts 175 of the 14 release relay pair R4, and passing through normally closed back contact 176 of A of IR on the way.

178, the energizing circuit of release relay magnet R2 governing the locking circuits of relays S1 to S4 by its four back contacts. This circuit is closed when the white arm 63 approaching HP reaches contact 8, having left contact 72 and so deenergized relay R1 and removed positive battery from the initial energizing circuit 166 of the transfer relays T. This results in unlocking relay 81 which then falls back.

180, the energizing circuit of release relay R3 from positive battery by the stepper contact 9 of the white arm 63 approaching HP.

181, the locking circuit of relay R3 established at its front contact 182 and extended to positive battery by way of the tandem contacts 175 of relay pair R4, which continue closed.

185, transfer connection for the first base run surveillance from safe relay S1 to surveillance of safe relay S2, which has surveillance of runs from first base to second base. The term surveillance" is used herein in the sense of keeping oversight upon the control of the runs. This connection is effected from positive battery by front contact 186 of relay R3 through con ductor 185 common to all the relays T1 to T3 and by way of the now closed front contact 187 of relay T1 and the back contact 188 of relay S2.

146, of relay S2. This is its locking circuit, entirely similar to 146 of relay S1 but established in this case through make before break contact 189 associated with and breaking contact 188. Since arm 63 has passed beyond contact 8 relay R2 is not now energized and locking circuit 146 of relay S2 is therefore completed by the connected one of its back contacts 148.

192, energizing line of that one of the pair of testing and release relays R4 closed to positive battery through contact 10 of the white series 61 by the arm 63 now reaching HP position and continuing through the relay to negative battery by conductor 193 common to the relay pair R4 through the front contact 194 of relay R3.

197, the testing and run halting circuit of release relay R5 set up at front contact 198 of the energized relay R4 from positive battery and extended by front contact 199 of relay B1 and back contact 200 of relay S1 through the relay R5 to negative battery. The moment relay R5 pulls up it breaks all locking circuits connected with the locking bus and receiving positive battery through the back contact 142 of the relay. This results in immediate stoppage of the base running stepper SP by reason of the unlocking of relay B1 and the commutator control relay CY. B1 opens commutator circuit at 156 and CY at 162 opens the circuit of actuating magnet A. The stepper therefore comes to rest with the white arm 63 on white lamp number one of the second base series of running lamps NL, and the lamp stands illuminated for its negative battery connection was made ready over circuit 150 of relay S2 when that relay took over surveillance from S1. Thus the runner stands at 1st with a lead-off ready for the run to 2nd base.

In the meantime, at the same time relay R4 closes the base testing circuit just described and energizes R5 by closure of its contacts 198, it opens at its contacts the locking circuit 173 commonly used by the transfer relays T1 to T4, thereby releasing transfer relay T1, and at the same time contacts 175 open the locking circuit 181 of relay R3 and it too falls back. These releases take place substantially simultaneously with the pulling up of relay R5. Relay R3 in turn breaks the negative battery connection 193 of relay R4 at 194 and this relay falls back and restores the positive battery connection of the locking circuits 173 and 181. In falling back R4 opens the testing circuit 197 at 198 but already this circuit has been opened at 199 of relay Bl at the time B1 was released by RS, and R5 is therefore already back or on the way back when circuit 197 is opened at 198.

These release operations involve a number of circuits and extended description of them, but the actual time of operation for the lot is actually no more time than it takes to count one, two, three," for stepper switch SP steps the run off at a fast rate.

The operations completed, all game apparatus is at rest and ready for the throws of the next player.

A safe hit to 3rd and scoring from 1st When commutator relay CY was deenergized as the first base run came to a halt its back contact 130 restored the circuit 128 of the white batter up lamp and of the white target lamp TI to signal the next player up. Suppose his first throw strikes target 16 squarely upon the bulls-eye and the ball falls into chute U3 thereby momentarily closing switch W3. This results in effecting the circuits of the following list in the course of which the run now on first base goes to home plate and scores while the new run comes to halt at third base.

138, identified with base relay B3 as closed at the individual contact 82 of switch W3.

139, the locking circuit of B3.

145 of relay S1 at the common contact 83 of switch W3. Thus there are pulled up now for this run to third base relays B3 and S1 instead of relays B1 and S1 as in the case of the first base run.

In the same order of succession as in the instance of the first base run just described, relays B3 and S1 now bring into play with the same results as respects the first base run, circuits 146, 150, 152, 155, 157, 161, 166, 173, 178, 180, 181, 185, 146 of relay S2, and 192- all previously described in connection with the first run to lst base, and all applying to the advancement of this second run as far as lst base. The moment however that circuit 161 of the actuating magnet A of stepper SP is first closed and the switch begins to step, additional results are manifest. The original run on 1st base is stepped ahead toward and reaches 2nd in synchronism with the new run reaching lst, for both circuits 150 and 152 were closed when S2 was first pulled up. As the two runs approach 1st and 2nd respectively, release circuits 166, 173, 178, 181 and 185 effect their transfer respectively from the surveillance of relays S1 to S2 to relays S2 and S3, thus preconditioning the run now at lst to go on to 2nd and the run at 2nd to go on to 3rd respectively.

This second run does not stop at first base as did the first run because release relay R4 cannot at this time complete the test circuit 197 to the final release relay R5. This is for the simple reason that while test contact 199 of relay B3 is closed and contact 200 of relay S1 is also closed, the contacts 200 of both relays S2 and S3 are open, each of these relays being now energized. Test circuit 197 is a circuit including in series contact 199 and all contacts 200 of the safe relays S1 to S4 from the then energized relay B back to and including the lst relay Sl. For the halting of a run at base, test circuit 197 must be entirely completed by the simultaneous closure of all contacts 200 which lie between the test contact 199 of the particular base relay and final release relay R5.

Accordingly stepper SP keeps right on stepping at this juncture and as the two runs are progressed by it to third base and second base respectively circuits of the above listed numbers associated with and applying to relays S2 and S3 become effective and in the same order of suecession, with the result that the runs respectively pass second base position and third base position and the one is sped on toward home plate position while the other is sped on toward third base. The second run cannot be halted at 2nd any more than it could at lst, because while series contact 200 of test circuit 197 are now closed at relays S1 and S2 they are open at both relays S3 and S4, these relays having taken over surveillance as the runs approached 2nd and 3rd, by transfer from S2 and S3.

However as the second run reaches third base position 16 and surveillance of it (the first run having scored as now to be described) is transferred to safe relay S4, relay R4 is immediately able to complete the test circuit 197 for all three contacts 200 between contact 199 of base relay B3 and final release relay R5 have become closed with the deenergization of relay S3, and the run is stopped at 3rd.

The scoring of a run In the meantime the first run has scored utilizing the circuits set forth below. As the scoring run approaches home plate under the surveillance of relay S4, transfer relay T4 is pulled up and locked up over the circuits 166. 173 of the home plate group of relays HP, just as are relays T1 to T3. Up to this point the circuits involved and their behaviour are in all respects similar to those of the interbase circuits and halting at base circuits previously described. It is at this juncture that differences between circuits at the fourth base position and those at other base positions become manifest. These are the circuits involved:

203, the scoring circuit per se. This circuit is preconditioned for scoring at front contacts 204 of relay T4 (which contact takes the place of 187 of relays T1, T2 and T3, for when home plate is reached by the run, the run is ended and no further transfer needed). Scoring circuit 203 in its reach from positive battery to negative battery by way of this contact 204 and actuating magnet A of scoring register WS includes (see Fig. 7) the yet open from contact 205 of release relay R3 (which it will be remembered does not pull up until contact 9 of stepper SP is reached by arm 63, while relay T4 pulls up on con tact 72 which lies ahead of it) and back contact 206 of relay SY.

17 8, the circuit of release magnet R2 energized from contact 8 of SP as usual, which releases relay S4.

180, the energizing circuit of relay R3, which relay, as contact 9 of SP is reached, completes the scoring circuit 203 at 205 and effects actuation of scoring register WS through its actuating magnet A, to step the switch to its first lamp contact to register the first score for the White team. Had the no-score relay SY been energized this circuit 203 could not have been completed, for contact 206 would have been open. However as will become apparent presently this relay is normally deenergized, pulling up only on the third out when no scores are to count.

The game now proceeds with the second run halted at 3rd and one score for the White team, with relay S4 reenergized by reason of the transfer from relay S3 completed by way of relay T3 as heretofore described.

An out at first base Let us now suppose the third player for the White team on his first thrown ball strikes target 16 outside of the center bulls-eye and the ball falls through chute U1 closing switch W1 but teeters on bar 23 and falls rearwardly into chute US so closing switch W5 (see Figs. 2 to 4 and Fig. 1), as it passes to return chute U7. In this case there results the same succession of circuits as heretofore outlined in connection with the described safe hit to 1st base, but with modifications as follows which prevent the run of lights from reaching lst base and effeet the registration of the first out.

209, the circuit of out relay O1 closed from positive battery at the contact 86 of W5 and extending through relay 01 directly to negative battery.

210, the locking circuit of relay O1 closed at 211 and extended to the locking bus of general release relay R5 by way of the back contact 212 of relay O2.

Inasmuch as both 01 and B1 are now pulled up both parallel contacts 153, 154 are now open, and white lamps 7 and 8 of the lst base run are deprived of their common negative battery connection 152 which relay S1 on a safe hit effects through its contact 151. Accordingly stepper SP cannot advance the run beyond the sixth white light,

'17 and the effect is as if the runner had been thrown out at first base.

All release circuits described in connection with the halting of the run at 1st base as heretofore described are closed in due course as the switch arm 63, approaching HP position successively steps to contact 72 and contacts 8, 9 and 10. However no transfer of the run from the surveillance of S1 to S2 takes place for the reason that circuit 166 of transfer relay T1 is open both at contact 169 of relay 01 and the parallel contact 179 of relay B1. The application of positive battery by relay R1 (pulled up from 72) is therefore without effect. Since relay T1 is not pulled up when contact 9 is reached and R3 pulls up, S2 is without energy and remains back. S1 is released by R2 at the time the arm 63 reaches contact 8 but at this juncture these additional circuits come into play.

215, the energizing circuit of actuating magnet A of outs register OR extended from positive battery by way of contact 8 as arm 63 reaches it, lead 178 of the circuit of relay R2 to front contact 216 of relay O1 and front contact 217 of relay B1 through actuating magnet A to negative battery. So as stepper SP passes contact 8, and just after lamps of the run have ceased to be illuminated, register OR takes one step and shows one out by the illumination of the first of its three outs lamps.

As stepper SP is brought to a halt by the action of release relay RS outs relay O1 and base relay B1 are both released along with all those other relays heretofore described as connected with the locking bust 140, controlled by RS, and A of OR is so deenergized.

In the meantime however the run which was left on 3rd base as the result of the three base hit has scored, for as the stepper progressed that one of its arms 63 which at the beginning of the outs run rested at 3rd with a lead off toward home plate HP position, the home plate group of lamps NL were successively illuminated and there followed that same succession of circuits which resulted in the registration of the first score, relay T4 pulling up as contact 72 was reached, relay S4 falling back as 8 was reached (lamp number 8 located on home plate HP having been illuminated and extinguished as the arm passed over contact number 7 of the some plate group) and the score registration brought about as contact 9 was reached and relay R3 pulled up energizing scoring circuit 203 as before.

An out at second base The batter up and target lights BU and TI are once again lit and this time the game board GB is clear of runs for none have been left on base. Let us assume the fourth man now up for the White team makes a throw to the target to the opposite side of the bullseye from that struck by the throw of the third man, and that it falls into chute U2 and then to chute US as did the ball of the third man up. There takes place the same sequence of circuits with the same result as took place on the outs run to 1st base (except that W2 closes 138 to B2) until a White arm 63 reaches contact 72 whereupon circuit sequence as follows takes place.

166, the energizing circuit of transfer T1, is closed because although now open at contact 169 of relay 01 this circuit is now closed at the parallel back contact 179 of base relay Bl, for in this case switch W2 was energized instead of switch W1 and pulled up B2 instead of B1.

173, locking circuit of T1, follows immediately.

152, the negative battery connection of lamps 7 and 8 is in this case closed at 154 of B1, for B1 has not been energized. The run therefore reaches 1st base on lamps NL.

178 from contact 8 energizes R2 and releases S1 as usual.

185 from now closed contact 187 of T1 energizes relay S2 when relay R3 is pulled up from contact 9. This results in transferring the outs registration from relay 01 to relay 02 by the following circuit.

219, closed by front contact 220 of relay O1 and extending positive battery to 02 as derived by way of back contact 221 of relay S1 and front contact 222 of relay S2, from the transfer circuit 185, as originally effected from positive battery at front contact 186 of relay R3. In other words the same action of relay R3 which results in energizing relay S2 over circuit 185 results, the moment relay S2 pulls up and closes its front contact 222, in the pulling up of relay O2.

210, the locking circuit of relay O2, is immediately closed at its contacts 211 by way this time of back contacts 212 of relay O3.

210, the locking circuit of relay O1, is broken at contact 212 of relay 02 when the latter pulls up.

Pulling up of relay R4 as the switch arm 63 reaches contact 10 does not this time stop the stepper, for testing circuit 197 is open at contact 200 of relay S2 so the coacting closed contact 199 of energized base relay B2 is without effect until the run has proceeded to 2nd base.

However as the run does approach 2nd base the release relays R1 to R5 effect the same succession of circuits as described in connection with the outs run to 1st base. The resulting effects are: the eighth white lamp represented as on the base is not illuminated (for its circuit 152 is open now at both 153 of O2 and 154 of B2) showing that the run has been put out before reaching base; a second out is registered on outs register OR over outs register circuit 215 this time closed at contact 216 of relay 02 instead of contact 216 of relay O1; and with the energization of relay R5 relay O2 locked to itself, falls back. Again the game board GB shows no run on base but this time with two outs against the White team, outs register OR having taken its second step.

' Balls and strikes registry Thus far four players for the White team have been up and we have assumed that each has made good throws only, each throw striking target 16, and that there have been no bad throws missing the target and striking either the balls cushion 20 or the net 34 and resulting in balls or strikes registrations. Suppose now the fifth player up for the White team fails to put his first ball through the central openings 22 and 21 of cushion 20 and housing 19, the ball clearing the net opening 37, but striking the cushion 20 and rebounding either directly into the balls trough US or indirectly thereto after striking the back of the net 34, thence rolling through opening 32 at the lowermost level of the trough and dropping abruptly down chute U10 to roll back to the player.

The following circuit to the balls register BR is closed by switch W10 as the ball in passing down chute U10 strikes the switch operating yoke 89.

225, extended directly from positive battery by switch W10 at its contact 91 (see Figs. 8 and 9). Actuating magnet A moves balls register BR one step to place its switch arm 97 on its number one lamp contact to illuminate the first one of its four lamps and so indicate the registry of one ball for the thrower.

Suppose the players next throw is wild and the ball strikes the net 34, falls to trough U9 either directly or by way of rebound from the from net 43, then rolls over the trough bottom to opening 33 in its bottom-most portion, and returns by way of chute U11 to the player. The next circuit listed results instead of the ball circuit 225.

228, the circuit of the actuating magnet A of strikes register SR as closed directly to positive battery by the contact 91 of switch W11, the actuating yoke 89 of which is momentarily displaced as the ball passes it. Lamp number one of this strikes register is therefore lit in the same manner as lamp number one of the balls register and the board now shows one strike and one ball against the player.

A base on balls Should this fifth player have but less than average skill his next three throws may result in three successive pitches to the balls cushion, with three successive closures of the ball circuit 225 by switch W and a total registry of four balls on HR and display of its fourth lamp. Switch arm 97 of register BR then initiates the circuits enumerated hereinbelow to place this fifth player on 1st base and then blank out both the balls and strikes registrations, returning the registers to zero positions for a fresh start.

231, the circuit of balls relay BY closed from positive battery by way of switch arm 97 of balls register BR and contact 232 of the register (which lies in radial alignment and electrical parallel with the fourth lamp contact) to the relay.

233, locking circuit of balls relay BY closed at its contacts 234 through the now closed off position limit switch 235 of register BR to positive battery by way of front contacts 236 of relay BY.

105, the circuit of release magnet E of balls register BR and release magnet E of strikes register SR, effected from positive battery at contact 236 of relay BY by way of circuit 233 and back contact 238 of actuating magnet A, which back contact becomes closed when the returning ball in chute U10 passes beyond yoke 89 of switch W10 and switch W10 opens, thereby deenergizing actuating magnet A. Release relay E pulling up releases switch arm 97 for return to zero position under the influence of its restoring spring 99.

240, the base on balls circuit per se supplied with energy from positive battery by way of switch arm 97 of balls register BR during the short interval of time required for arm 97 on its way back to zero position, to pass over the three paralleled contacts 241 in radial alignment with the first, second and third lamp contacts of the register, which circuit extends through front contact 242 of relay BY through back contact 243 (Fig. 6) of relay S2 and the relay S2 to negative battery.

150, the negative battery connection of the 2nd base run of lamps NL as established at the front contact 151 of relay S2 having surveillance of the run from 1st base to 2nd base, resulting in the illumination of the first lamp of this run and so giving the player the base to which his four pitches to the balls cushion 20 entitle him.

Having passed through the are covered by contacts 241, switch arm 97 strikes and opens limit switch 235 so breaking the locking circuit of relay BY, and BY falling back opens all of the foregoing circuits which it controls.

128, the circuit of the batter up signal BU and the target illumination lamp TI which was opened by the balls relay BY at its back contact 245 when the relay pulled up, is closed as the relay falls back, thus giving the players the same call for the next player as given in the case of regular base runs.

Forced runs from base on balls Extension of circuit 240 stage by stage, from relay S2 to relay S3, from relay S3 to S4, and from relay S4 to scoring register circuit 203 is brought about by the front contacts 247 of the respective relays which, when these relays are energized successively eifect transfer of connection 240 to one after another of them and finally to 203. Accordingly if we assume that the sixth player throws no better and no worse than the fifth, and he too becomes entitled to a base on balls as his bail returns through chute U10 and actuates switch W10, while S2 remains up, relay S3 will be also pulled up over that extension of ball circuit 240 which was effected at contact 247 of S2 when that relay was pulled up to give the first base on balls. S3 pulling up through its contact 151 puts negative battery on the common connection 150 of the 3rd base group of running lamps NL with the result that the first lamp of its group is lit up, so placing a run at 2nd base, and just as if the run at 1st had been forced to 2nd by the base on balls given the sixth man up.

Should the seventh player up for the White team repeat the performance of the fifth and sixth players and also become entitled to a base on balls, or if for any other reason (such as a one base hit) the bases have become full, S2, S3 and S4 all being up, if the eighth man up becomes entitled to a base on balls, when arm 97 of BR closes circuit 240 positive battery is applied through all contacts 247 in series to scoring circuit 203 to register a forced score, yet the bases will still be filled.

Out on three strikes To continue the description as an ordered game, let us say the ninth man up in five throws has three balls and two strikes against him and that he then throws a third strike. The bases are full and there are already two outs. This is a list of the ensuing circuits in succession.

228, the circuit of actuating magnet A of strikes register SR closed at switch W11 as the ball races hack to the player through chute U11. This steps register SR to its third lamp contact lighting up the third strike lamp.

215, the circuit of actuating magnet A of outs register OR closed from arm 97 of strikes register SR by way of its contact 249.

105, the release circuit of release magnets E of both registers SR and BR as closed at the front contacts of actuating magnet A of register OR which effects restoration of these registers to their zero positions, thus blanking out the balls and strikes indications theretofore displayed. Restoration of the strikes register to zero position flashes the batter up and target illumination lamps BU and TI to call for the next player, by momentarily opening the circuit 128 of these lamps at back contact 248 of release magnet E for SR for the time E is energized.

Until three are out this is all that happens, but it will be remembered that in the process of the game as described there have already been registered two outs and outs register OR this time has been stepped to its three out and inning change position.

Third our on third strike: innings shift Much more is required to be done. Not only must the third out be registered, but also the change in the inning, its registration, the clearing of the board for the play of the Red team, the preservation of the score registration of the White team, the making ready for the scoring of the Red team, and a complete change of colors of the running lamps, the batter up and target illumination lamps to correspond. The circuits of this final group accomplish all of these things.

250, the circuit of outs relay OY closed by arm 97 of the outs register to positive battery when it reaches contact 251 in radial alignment with its third lamp contact.

252, the locking circuit of this relay OY closed at its front contact 253 and extending to positive battery by Way of the back contact 254 of release magnet E of the register OR.

257, the circuit of actuating magnet A of innings register IR which branches from circuit 250 by way of back contact 258 of relay R3. The innings register therefore takes its first step simultaneously with the energization of the outs relay OY. Its arm 97' thus engages and rests upon its second lamp contact and illuminates the first lamp in the red lamp row of IL thus indicating the opening of the second half of the first inning, the Red team's half.

268, this is the energizing circuit of primary color change relay Cl, whose connection to positive battery is initiated by the stepping of arm 97 of IR to the first of the connected series of contacts 269 of switch IR and continued to relay C1 and thence to negative battery by way of the now closed front contact 270 of relay OY. This relay C1 pulling up deenergizes circuit of auxiliary color relay C3 and energizes instead auxiliary relay C2 272, the energizing circuit of relay C2 as closed by C1 at its front contact 273 connected to back contact 121. The deenergization of C3 and the energization of C2 result in the extension of circuits 152 by way of back contacts 274 of C3 and of circuits 150 by way of front contacts 275 of C2 respectively to the common circuits of the red lamps NL as distinguished from the common circuits of the white lamps theretofore associated with them. The result will be that when the bases are run by players of the Red team, they will be run on the red lamps instead of the white lamps.

277, the shift connection of circuit 128, the positive battery connection or circuit to the batter up and target illumination lamps BU and TI, from connection with the white lamps of these two pairs to the red lamps, which shift is accomplished at contacts 278 of relay C1. The result of this is that a player of the Red team is now called up to throw and the target 16 is illuminated in red.

280, the shift connection of negative battery hitherto running to the white scoring register WS and the circuit 135, now to red scoring register RS as achieved at front contact 281 of relay C1.

283, the shift connection of positive battery from circuit 125 (hitherto extending to white arms 63 and white lamp contact series 61 of stepper SP by way of brush 67 and contact ring 66) established at front contact 284 of relay C1 now to extend positive battery to red switch arms 62 by way of brush 70 and contact ring 69 to red lamp contact series 60 identified with the red lamps NL. This latter shift of course is in complement to the shifts of the lamp common circuits 150, 152.

105, the release circuit of strikes register SR and balls register BR closed at the front contact 105 of the actuator A of register OR just as outs register OR takes its third step. A is released as OY is pulled up as just now described and switch arm 97 of SR starts back under the urge of its return spring 99 toward its limiting no strikes position. The balls register does likewise, but in its case without affecting other circuits. SR however does aifect other circuits on its way back as follows.

178, the energizing circuit of release relay R2, usually closed from contact 8 of stepper SP, but this time receiving positive battery from switch SR by way of the first lamp contact as arm 97 returns to normal and the now closed front contact 286 of relay OY. Relay R2 pulling up deenergizes all relays S2 to S4 which are pulled up at the time OR makes its third step, thereby clearing game board GB of all runs then indicated and leaving the bases free for the plays of the Red team. Inasmuch as the release of SR takes place simultaneously with the pulling up of OY and its return toward no strikes position takes place during the ensuing action of IR to register the inning and successively energize C1, energize C2 and deenergize C3, relays S2, S3 and S4 will have fallen back and opened circuits 150, 152 and removed the white runs on bases before the shifts of C2 and C3 have been completed, so that there is not even momentarily a showing of red lamps at the bases When the color shift is made.

290, an auxiliary energizing circuit for relay R3 closed by strikes register SR during that interval of time in which its arm 97 traverses the are upon which auxiliary contacts 291 lie, which extends positive battery to relay R3 through the now closed front contact 292 of relay OY. R3 now opens circuit 257 of actuating magnet A of innings register IR at its contact 258 and it falls back.

110, this is the release circuit of magnet E of outs register OR. Simultaneously with the release of innings register IR, R3 closes this circuit at its front contact 205, in series with front contact 296 of relay OY. OR is immediately thrown to no outs position by its return spring. As its arm 97 leaves contact 251 it opens the battery connection to IRs actuating circuit 257, so sharing in the opening of circuit 257 with contact 258 of R3. However 258 leads in this. At the same time both R3 and OY are deenergized and fall back, OY because its locking circuit 252 is opened at back contact 254 of release relay E of OR when E is energized, and R3 because it does not lock up when energized from SR and is deprived of current when arm 97 of SR reaches its no strike" position. The reason R3 does not lock up "is because its locking circuit 181 is opened at contacts of relay R4 when that relay is energized through contacts 194 of R3 and contact 10 of the runs picturing switch SP. Thus is completed the cycle of circuits ensuing upon the third out from a third strike and an inning shift.

Third out at base, innings shift When instead of third out being occasioned by three strikes it is occasioned by an out at base, while many of the foregoing circuits are involved, the situation and its requirements are different because stepper SP is in motion and needs to be stopped at the base location involved in the out, strikes register SR is not directly involved and no scores are to be registered on this third out. Suppose then in concluding the description of operation and circuits that the Red team has registered one score, and that with two outs there are men at 2nd and 3rd when, with two balls and two strikes against him, the player then throwing hits target 16 and his ball drops through chutes U2 and U5 for an out at 2nd base. Relays B2, S1 and 01 are pulled up and the run progresses toward lst base, reaches 1st base and passes it, utilizing the circuits hitherto described in these operations. Simultaneously also utilizing circuits hitherto described, the runs assumed at 2nd and 3rd are progressed respectively toward 3rd and H.P., but while both the 3rd base run and the 2nd base run which follows it reach home plate no score is registered by reason of the third out, for the following circuit initiated on the second out prevents it.

300, the circuit of no score relay SY initiated from positive battery at contact 301 of outs register OR when its arm 97 reaches two out position, which circuit is completed to energize relay SY the moment the first out relay O1 pulls up and closes its front contact 302. Relay SY locks itself up by its front contact 303 to the locking has under the control of final release relay R5 and therefore is held up throughout the third outs run we are considering, thus holding open at its back contact 206 the scoring circuit 203 and preventing the completion of this circuit. Therefore neither the first nor the second of the runs advanced toward and to the home plate results in scoring as the relay T4 is successively energized by relay 54 through its contact 168 by way of either 169 of 04 or 179 of B4 from 166.

As a red arm 62 approaches home plate position on the third run it engages contact 71 and energizes the left hand one of the relays R1 over its circuit 305 and pulls up transfer relay T4 over transfer circuit 166 from relay S3 to make ready the energization of S4 to take surveillance of the run to home plate. Therefore as stepper SP moves from its seventh lamp contact to its eighth contact relay S3 and relay T4 are energized. Reaching contact 8 red arm 62 simultaneously energizes release relay R2 and actuating magnet A of the outs register OR, to register the third out. R2 opens its contacts 148 and releases S3. OR simultaneously energizes outs relay OY and actuating magnet A of IR. Magnet A of IR opens its back contact 176 and so opens the locking connection 173 to positive battery and releases relay T3. So it would release any other transfer relays which happened to be up at this juncture. The entire group of base running relays are therefore deenergized now.

As stepper SP carries arm 62 on to the contact 9 and relay R3 pulls up, its putting positive battery on circuit through contact 186 is without effect, for now no transfer relays T are up and circuit 185 is open at all contacts 187.

The remaining operations as stepper SP places positive battery on contact 10 are the same as those previously described. Relay R3 has been locked up through 175 of R4 and locking circuit 181, and in doing so has deenergized actuating magnet A of IR at contacts 258 and so restored positive battery to transfer relay locking circuit 173 at contacts 176, and has released outs register OR which in turn has released outs relay OY. Stepper SP reaching contact 10 energizes the left one of relays R4 closing testing circuit 197 to final release relay R5 so releasing relay B2 and bringing the stepper SP to a standstill through the release of commutator relay CY.

So the game may be continued with variations from inning to inning with any number of players on a side. The circuits described and their operations are the same irrespective of the order in which they follow each other under the influence of the pitched balls. The only caution which need be observed is to avoid pitching balls to the target while the apparatus is operating, and the fact that the batter up and target illumination lamps are extinguished and the target is dark during operation is a reasonable safeguard. However, I contemplate in some cases opening the common battery connection to the control switches in the various chutes, U1 to U11 for the duration of apparatus operation, either through contacts in the connection under the control of relay CY or such contacts under the control of a relay locked up whenever a control switch is operated by a ball and unlocked by a floor located ball operated switch in the locking circuit, only when the ball is returned to the floor.

Obviously the apparatus may be applied to other targets and operated by balls other than baseballs, but the game simulated will nevertheless be the regular baseball game, save as the runs, the registers, etc., are suited to the playing of another game without departing from the invention.

Note that in the circuit 128 there is a contact opened when relay S1 pulls up to extinguish lamps EU and TI a moment before the circuit is opened by commutator relay CY. This results in the immediate simulation of the start of the run to first base for CY pulls up immediately after and lights lamp number one of the run. CY also opens circuit 128, and retains the circuit open until the run is completed irrespective of how many bases the run covers. In the meantime however S1 falls back and restores its contact to the circuit.

Switches W and W11 are shown symbolically as a combined unit in Fig. 7 but as clearly appears in Figs. 1 and 2 and the detail views they are actually two separate switches, one in each of the chutes U10 and U11.

Note also that the auxiliary contacts 241 and 291 respectively of registers BR and SR which lie radially opposite the first and second of their lamp contacts and in the case of contacts 241 of relay BR opposite also the third contact, merge into each other throughout their arcuate extent with the result that the circuit they control is continuously closed during the time of passage of the respective arms 97 over them. Regulation of the length of this arcuate contact is used to regulate the time of closure of the respective controlled circuits.

In connection with relay R3 and relay R4 a relay DY, energized when relay R4 pulls up, is used to open the locking circuit 181 of relay R3. R4 is pulled up through contact 194 of R3, and DY is simply a representative one of many well known means of delaying the unlocking of R3 sufiiciently to give R4 adequate time to do its work properly in bringing about final release through R5.

Obviously equivalent means are available to carry out many phases of my invention. Wherever such equivalent means can be used without departing from the generic spirit of the invention involved I contemplate that it shall be used as special situations or expediencies may require. It should be apparent for much the same reason that the operativeness of each phase of my invention is relatively independent of the operativeness of each other phase save where the invention may reside in or operativeness depend upon the combinations of the phases, and trouble experienced in one phase need not impair the use or the usefulness of the game as a whole.

I have but described the best form of my invention now known to me. That it may be embodied in other forms cannot be doubted by anyone familiar with the great number of equivalent devices available at present in the arts involved, not to mention the additions constantly being made. Accordingly all modifications falling within the general spirit of my invention should come within the spirit of the claims.

What I claim is:

l. A game apparatus of the character described comprising in combination target means at which a ball may be projected, a display board bearing a picture of a baseball diamond, means for progressively picturing runs around the pictured diamond, a progressive series of relays identified each one of the series with the picturing of runs to one of the three bases and home plate and adapted to progress energization to the next in the series, and ball governed switching means associated with various portions of the target means initiating the progression through energization of the first relay of the series and variously controlling the relays to variably progress the runs picturing means, the said switching means being non-progressive and each identified with a different one of the said relays.

2. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which there are provided two such progressive relay series, the relays of each series being progressively identified respectively each with the picturing of runs to one of the three bases and home plate, one series controlling progression of runs safe at base, and one series controlling progression of runs out at base, and the said ball-governed switching means including separate switches separately initiating the progressions of the respective series as aforesaid.

3. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which the ball-governed switching means comprehends a group of four self-locking base relays, one for each base and one for the home plate, each under the control of a different ball-operated switch and each in turn connected with a difierent relay of the progressive series to stop the progression at such relay, together with an additional ball-operated switching means operated in common with the foregoing switching means in each case to energize the first relay of the progressive series and so initiate the progression.

4. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which there is connected with each one of the progressive relays a run-transfer relay connected to energize the progressive relay succeeding, and energizing connections for the respective transfer relays jointly under the control of the respective ball-governed switching means and their associated progressive relays whereby the continuance or the stoppage of the progression is determined.

5. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which an individual run-transfer relay is associated with each one of the progressive relays, connections from each individual transfer-relay identified with progression to a different one of the bases, to effect energization of the next succeeding progressive relay, and score registering means energized from the transfer relay associated with the progressive relay identified with the home plate.

6. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which there are provided two such progressive relay-series, the relays of each series being progressively identified respectively each with the picturing of runs to one of the three bases and the home plate. one series controlling picturing of runs safe at base and one series controlling picturing of runs out at base, and means governing the progression of the outs-series subject to the progression of the safe-series.

7. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which there are provided two such progressive relay-series, the relays of each series being progressively identified respectively each with the picturing of runs to one of the three bases and the home plate, one series controlling the progression of runs safe at base and the other controlling the progression of runs out at base, and there are associated with each corresponding pair a basedetermining relay and a runs-transfer relay, together with energizing means for each transfer-relay under the joint control of the corresponding base and outs relays, whereby the progression of the display picturing is either continued from base to base or terminated at a determinate base.

8. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which there is associated with each one of the progressive relays an individual runs-transfer relay, together with energizing connections for the transfer relays jointly under the control of the associated progressive relay and the runspicturing means, whereby the progression of the runspicturing controls the progression of the relays.

9. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which there are provided two such progressive series, one controlling picturing of runs safe at base and one controlling picturing of runs out at base, and there is associated with each corresponding pair of safeand outs-relays a base-determining relay, and the energizations of the saferelays in their progression are under the joint control of the corresponding outsand base-relays whereby progression of the display is either continued or discontinued, while the outs relays for energization in their progression are under the joint control of the succeeding and preceding safe relays of the safe relay progressions, whereby premature discontinuance is prevented.

10. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which there are provided two such progressive series, one con trolling picturing of runs safe at base and one controlling picturing of runs out at base, and there are provided locking means for the safe relays which locking means is always directly under control of the runs picturing means, whereby repeat runs displays during a given progression are prevented, and locking means for the outs relays which locking means during the progression of the relays is for each relay under control of the next succeeding relays, but at the end of the progression under control of the runs picturing means, whereby during any given progression repeat of an outs display is prevented.

11. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which there are provided two such progressive series, one controlling picturing of runs safe at base and one controlling picturing of runs out at base, and the progressive picturing of the advance portion of each base run is under control of the safe relay associated with the particular base, and the picturing of the after part of each run is under control of the outs relay corresponding.

12. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which the base runs pictured for certain only of the four bases at termination extend somewhat beyond the base identified with the progressive relay which governed the extent of the run whereby simulation is efiected to runners taking a lead off base.

13. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which the runs picturing means comprises a group of successively illuminated electric lamps for each base run, and each group begins beyond one base and extends beyond the next succeeding.

14. A game apparatus according to claim 1 including means to register balls as distinguished from hits when certain balls projected miss the aforesaid target, means operated when four registrations have been made to operate one of said progressive relays, and means connected with the one relay when so operated to render the next succeeding deenergized relay subject to a similar operation from said register.

15. A game apparatus according to claim 1 including means to register balls as distinguished from hits when certain balls projected miss the aforesaid target, means operated when four registrations have been made to operate one of said progressive relays, and means connected with the one relay when so operated to render the next succeeding deenergized relay subject to a similar operation from said register, together with a scoring register and means connected with the last relay of the progressive group upon such operation to render said .scoring register subject to operation from said ball register. 1

16. A game apparatus according to claim 1 including means to register balls as distinguished from hits when certain balls projected miss the target means, and means operated when four balls registrations are made to operate one of said progressive relays, which means comprchends a balls relay locked up when said register shows four balls to establish an enabling circuit for said progressive relay, means to release said register, and means operated by said register upon its release to energize said circuit.

17. A game apparatus of the character described comprising in combination target means at which balls are projected, a display board bearing a picture of a baseball diamond, means of progressively picturing runs around the pictured diamond, a register actuated by certain balls which miss the target means, and each of the base positions having its own individual means on the diamond and controlling such picturing means at the respective bases which means are progressively actuated from the register in the order of base progression to effect succes sively displays of bases on balls upon successive registrations of four balls by said register.

18. In a game apparatus of the character described comprising in combination target means at which balls are projected, a game board bearing a picture of a baseball diamond, electrical means for effecting displays thereon of bases on balls, a balls register actuated by balls which miss the target to successively register four such balls and thereupon releasable to a no registration position, a relay locked up on the fourth such registration subject to release, upon the registers release, to no registration position, an enabling circuit for such base on balls display means set up by said locked up relay to prepare it for energization, and energizing means for said circuit closed by the register during its passage from its release toward. its no registration position.

19. In game apparatus according to claim 18, an enabling release circuit for the register set up by said locked up relay to prepare it for release, and actuating means for said register which governs the energization of said release circuit.

20. in a game apparatus of the character described, a target means at which balls may be projected, a display board bearing a picture of a baseball diamond, means governed by projected balls to effect picturing of runs around the pictured diamond, and means individual to the target and located so as to project its illumination directly upon the target but actuated from said runs effecting means to change the illumination of the target incident to the picturing of runs.

21. A game apparatus according to claim 20 including means for eflecting registrations of four balls and three strikes respectively, also actuating said target illuminating means.

22. A game apparatus according to claim 1 including a run metering circuit progressively completed by the progressive relays in their order of succession, means operated by each said switching means to energize said circuit when completed to its corresponding relay, and

means to stop the progression of the picturing means, which means is energized over said circuit when the metering circuit is completed to the base identified with the particular switching means which initiated the progress.

23. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which there are provided in connection with each of the progressive relays, means to transfer energization from the relay to the next succeeding, means to deenergize each relay, means to energize the next relay in succession through the transfer means, and means acting upon each transfer means through the associated switching means to terminate the progression when the progression reaches the base identified with the particular switching means initiating a progression, and means under control of said runs picturing means in its progression to actuate in succession said relay transfer, relay release, relay reenergizing, and relay progression terminating means.

24. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which there are provided in connection with each of the progressive relays, means to transfer energization from the relay to the next succeeding, means to deenergize each relay, means to energize the next relay in succession through the transfer means, means acting upon each transfer means through the associated switching means to terminate the progression when the progression reaches the base identified with the particular switching means initiating a progression, means under control of said picturing means in its progression to actuate in succession said relay transfer, relay release, relay reenergizing, and relay progression terminating means, and means to interrupt the runs picturing during certain of said successive operations.

25. A game apparatus according to claim 1 in which there are provided in connection with each of the progressive relays means to transfer energization from the relay to the next succeeding, means to deenergize each relay, means to energize the next relay in succession through said transfer means, means acting upon said transfer means through its associated switching means to terminate the progression when the progression reaches the base identified with the particular switching means initiating a progression, means under control of said runs picturing means in its progression to actuate in succession said relay transfer, relay release, relay reenergization, and relay progression terminating means, said actuating means under control of said runs picturing means including a relay controlled by the picturing means and directly initiating actuation of the reenergizing and progression terminating means, and a locking circuit for such relay in turn controlled by the progression terminating means.

26. In a game apparatus of the character described in combination, a target at which balls are thrown together with switching means activated by balls so thrown, one of which switching means characterizes the thrown ball as an out, a second switching means characterizing balls thrown as strikes, an outs register actuable by said out switching means to register three outs but releasable to return to a no-registering position, a strikes register actuable by said strikes" switching means but releasable to return to a no registration position, a release magnet therefor, and outs relay actuated when the outs register registers a third out and locking up through contacts controlled by said magnet, a subsequently energized restoring relay energized from said strikes register through the outs" relay, and an energizing circuit for said release magnet closed by said restoring relay through contacts of said outs relay.

27. In a game apparatus of the character described, a game board carrying means to display runs on base, a target at which balls are thrown together with switching means activated by balls so thrown, one of which switching means characterizes the thrown ball as an out, a second switching means characterizing balls thrown as strikes, a release relay for said display, an outs register actuable by said "out" switching means to register three outs, an outs" relay energized from the register when it registers a third out, a restoring relay energized from said strikes" register through the outs relay, and a circuit for said display release relay through contacts of said outs" relay and energized from said strikes register.

28. In a game apparatus of the character described, a target with which are associated switching means activated by balls thrown at the target and one of which switching means characterizes a thrown ball as an out, in combination an outs register actuable by said out" switching means to register three outs, an outs relay and an innings register whose circuits are closed by the outs register when it registers a third out, and a restoring relay subsequently energized as a result of registration of the third out, which restoring relay opens the circuit of said innings register.

29. A game apparatus according to claim 26 in which there is provided an innings register and an energizing circuit therefor closed by the outs register upon a third out by way of the said restoring relay, but opened by the restoring relay upon its energization.

30. A game apparatus of the character described comprising a game board, means to display the game thereon, which means comprises a target at which balls are thrown together with switching means activated by balls thrown, means responsive to said switching means to progressively effect display including a progressive transfer relay series, each succeeding one of which is adapted to initiate the energization of a following one, an innings register, and means responsive to actuation of the innings register to disable said transfer relays.

31. A game apparatus of the character described comprising a game board bearing electric lamps in the configuration of a baseball diamond, alternate lamps of which are of two different colors representative of two opposing teams, each lamp being provided with an individual terminal, and the lamps of each color being provided with different common terminals, separate switching means for the lamps of each color coacting with the individual terminals to separately and individually and progressively switch on the lamps of the respective colors to simulate base running in color, separate additional switching means for the lamps of each color controlling lamp common terminals of the respective colors segregating common connections according to the base runs to which they apply, a primary color switching means alternately actuating said additional means, and an inning register controlling said primary means, together with a target at which balls are thrown and ball controlled switching means associated therewith and effecting illumination of the lamps on said board through the aforesaid switching means.

32. A game apparatus according to claim 31 in which the ball controlled switching means include a successively actuated series of progressive relays identified respectively with the bases, each of which in the order of base succession controls the ultimate power connection of the commons of a different base run, so determining the progression of the runs from base to base.

33. A game apparatus of the character described comprising an upright game board displaying on its front face a picture of a baseball diamond which board is apertured within the diamond display, means to effect displays of runs to the different bases of the diamond, an impact absorbing target in the form of a cushion which stops the motion of balls which are projected upon it, but permits them to drop before it as acted upon by gravity alone, which target is located rearwardly of the board but reachable through the aperture by balls projected directly to it from before the board and downwardly extending ball receiving chutes whose mouths open below the target and receive balls dropping by gravity from the target, and each containing in its downward extent ball operated means governing the means to effect display of a different base run.

34. Game apparatus according to claim 33 in which the target face is upright and configured as a ringed bullseye, and four chutes are transversely arranged in a row, with the two central chutes containing ball operated means governing the third base and home plate runs located directly in front of the bullseye itself, and the two outside chutes containing means governing the first and second base runs.

35. A game apparatus of the character described comprising a game board displaying a picture of a baseball diamond, means to elfect displays of runs to different bases of the diamond, a target at which balls may be projected, ball receiving chutes arranged before the target and each containing ball operated means each governing a display of a different base run, the chutes being arranged substantially vertically, a transversely extending bar located below them upon the top of which bar balls descending from the chutes impinge to teeter and drop sometimes to one side and sometimes to the other, an outs register, and ball governed means controlling said register operated by balls dropping to one side of said bar to the exclusion of balls dropping to the other.

36. A game apparatus according to claim 35 in which the transversely extending bar is laterally adjustable.

37. In combination with game apparatus according to claim 33 an apertured ball cushioning means facing as does the game board with its aperture horizontally centered on the target, a transversely extending laterally inclined trough before the board in a position to receive balls which strike the cushioning means and drop from it, which trough is provided with an exit path for balls, a register, and a ball operated device engaged by balls exiting from the trough and controlling said register, the said cushioning means being a net of substantially the same area as the board.

38. In combination with a game aparatus as in claim 33, an apertured ball cushioning means adjacent to and facing as does the game board and having its aperture horizontally centred on the target and approximately of the same area, a transversley extending laterally inclined trough in front of the game board in a position to receive balls which strike the cushioning means and drop from it, which trough is provided with an exit path for balls, a net cushioning means and related trough more remote from the board and which cushioning means has a larger aperture, a balls register, a strikes register, and ball operated devices in the respective trough exiting paths controlling the one identified with the trough nearer the board, the balls register, and the one identified with the trough more distant, the strikes register.

39. In combination in game apparatus of the character described, an upright game board displaying on its front face the picture of the plays of a baseball game the face of which game board per se if struck by a thrown ball would unduly rebound the ball, means to effect display of runs to the different bases, a cushioned ball target means within the confines of the board, means operated by balls which strike the target controlling the runs displays, and means to protect the game board from being struck by balls which miss the target comprising a net suspended before the board, which net is of a mesh sufficently large to avoid undue interference with clear vision of the board and its displays, and which net is apertured about the pathways of balls projected straight to the cushioned target means to permit their free passage there through, together with a register and means to cause balls which strike the net to operate the register.

40. Game apparatus according to claim 39 in which the said last named means includes a transversely extending trough before the net receiving balls which strike the net and drop from it instead of passing through the aperture, which trough is provided with an exit path for balls, and ball operated means located in said exiting path and controlling said register.

41. Game apparatus according to claim 39 in which the said last named means includes a transversely extending trough before the net receiving balls which strike the net and drop from it instead of passing through the aperture, which trough is provided with an exit path for balls, and ball operated means located in said exiting path and controlling said register, and together with a ball rebound net erected above the front wall of said trough and of a height less than the height of the lowermost edge of the ball aperture in the first named net.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 856,216 Black June 11, 1907 1,031,395 Sutton July 2, 1912 1,152,748 Meyers Sept. 7, 1915 1,171,715 Griifith et al. Feb. 15, 1916 1,216,261 Ashley Feb. 20, 1917 1,771,466 Scanlon July 29, 1930 1,909,772 Lamb May 16, 1933 2,008,479 Warner July 16, 1935 2,040,228 Whiteley May 12, 1936 2,118,037 Fischer May 24, 1938 2,187,422 Henry Jan. 16, 1940 2,251,305 Tarbox Aug. 5, 1941 2,379,663 Smith July 3, 1945 2,450,125 Dunfee Sept. 28, 1948 

